It’s been a little over two months since the start of our Red Light Camera Pilot Project. Red-light running is the second most common known cause of fatal and severe-injury crashes in San José, which is why we’re testing new tools to combat this dangerous behavior. The early results of the pilot program begin to show us why these types of crashes are so common. In just the first seven weeks, four cameras issued over 1,800 citations.

The automated cameras are strategically placed at four intersections across the city that see high numbers of crashes – and injuries - caused by red-light running. When they catch drivers in the act, they flash a bright light and automatically generate a ticket that is sent to the San José Police Department for review. These tickets are treated the same as if they were issued by a police officer. The fines are high – up to $486 – and add a point to your license.

We hope to see fewer people earning these tickets over the next ten months of the pilot. As drivers begin to understand the consequences of their behavior, we expect them to get better at following the rules of the road. Our goal is safety, not making money. Large signs let approaching drivers know that the next traffic signal is enforced by camera. Paying attention and stopping before the light turns red might save you a costly ordeal – and potentially save a life.

Here are more details about where and why drivers are earning red-light running tickets through the pilot program, from 1/9/26 to 2/24/26: